On 10 March, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an interactive dialogue entitled ‘The Role of Women Diplomats in Society and Their Achievements’. The event was held as part of the second regional training for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. Women from diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organisations, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, teachers of the institute and female students took part in the dialogue.

Presentations were made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova, Palestinian and Pakistani Ambassadors to Turkmenistan Rana Abu Hijleh and Faryal Leghari, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Narine Sahakyan, and Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chynar Rustemova.

During the discussion, the importance of Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality was emphasised, which contributes to the promotion of peace initiatives and trust-building dialogue in the international arena. It was noted that the principle of ‘Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace’ supports women's involvement in diplomacy and their contribution to strengthening stability in the region.

The seminar provided a platform for young professionals to exchange experiences and reaffirmed the important role of women in Turkmenistan's diplomacy and peacebuilding activities.